Happy Thanksgiving!!

November 23, 2017

It’s Thanksgiving Day, the second one without my husband. It’s also my 46th Birthday, the double-whammy that happens every now and then. I can’t believe I’ve made it to round two, but I’m still thankful for so much in this unplanned life I’ve been given. I’m grateful for the family surrounding me today. I’m thankful for all of you, for voluntarily sharing in my journey. I’m thankful for your understanding of the feelings I write and for having courage to share your stories with me and with each other sometimes. I know it’s not the life we hoped for, but there’s still so much beauty in it. You are all part of the blessing that was revealed because of pain and loss.

Today I’m ten hours from home, surrounded by nephews and nieces, my brother and sister, their spouses, all THREE of my children, a couple of dogs and a million other blessings formerly less acknowledged.

I’m thinking of all of YOU this Thanksgiving. I pray your blessings shine brightly today to light up the dark parts of grief that sometimes surface during holidays. I pray you feel loved. And I hope you get extra pie.

Thanks for being with me. Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!!

Colossians 3:15-17 (NIV)

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.  whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

Extra Grace,

Jodi

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  • Michelle Lunkwitz November 23, 2017 at 11:36 am

    Today is my first Thanksgiving without my husband and tomorrow will be my first birthday without him. While I am grieving today for the loss of him and the future we had, I am grateful for the wonderful people in my life. God bless!

  • Jayne Reed November 23, 2017 at 11:37 am

    This is my first thanksgiving without my husband and it’s tough, he has been gone for 6 months now and my kids are feeling it too, we will get through this day but am not going to guarantee there won’t be any tears, me myself have shed many already today but I tell myself it’s ok to cry, jodi, I love reading your messages and they truly help me get through some very tough days, Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family!! God bless you!!

  • Jeanie martin November 23, 2017 at 12:00 pm

    I’m imagining a day you’ll look back on with smiles. Happiest of days to you!

  • Karen Drummond November 23, 2017 at 12:25 pm

    Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family. We all understand, too well, the emotions that holidays bring. Today, I am having my 4th Thanksgiving without my hubby, Doug. Also, just like you, every once in awhile, it is the anniversary of my mom passing. The year she died it was Thanksgiving day too. I have been blessed with a great life, good kids, grands, family and friends. Most of all, I was blessed with the love of a good man for almost 40 years. For all of that, I am thankful.

  • Ruth November 23, 2017 at 1:40 pm

    This is my 5th Thanksgiving without James and though I still miss him, the pain is now just a dull ache. But I am watching my dad deal with his 1st holiday without my mom. They are married 73 years!

  • Marcy November 23, 2017 at 3:47 pm

    It’s my first Thanksgiving without my husband of 36 1/2 years. He passed away on November 13th so the sorrow is still very, very near, but the Lord is close to the broken hearted. I am surrounded by my daughter & family and her in-laws and I’ve been giving thanks all day today for all the blessings that have been bestowed upon us. God Is and His Word Is True (my husband’s quote).

  • Michael November 23, 2017 at 5:08 pm

    My wife passed away 7 months ago, so this will be my first Thanksgiving without her in 30 years. What hurts even more is that our 30th anniversary is only a few days after Thanksgiving. Thanksgiving was always her most favorite Holiday because it’s a family holiday. I’ll have my children with me today, but without Joan I’m just lost and I have no idea how I’m going to get through the next few days. I miss her so much that sometimes the pain is unbearable. But I will get through this because she wants me to. God Bless all of you on this unasked-for journey.

  • Scott Ralston November 23, 2017 at 8:34 pm

    Today marks just over 4 months since my wife passed into Heaven after 34 years at my side. Myself and my family have made it through the day, with some tears – but with thanksgiving for the many blessings we enjoy.
    You have blessed me with your words of encouragement and wisdom through these months of bleak moments mixed with good moments.
    May God continue to bless you and your family, and please continue your blog – to the blessing of many who are grieving.

  • Barbara McCarthy November 24, 2017 at 7:42 am

    oxoxoxo I hope you had a peaceful day…thank you for remembering all of us……oxoxo

  • Lisa November 24, 2017 at 9:09 am

    Thank you for your words. This is my second Thanksgiving and a Birthday, after 40 years of marriage. I am a Grandmother raising my Grandchildren, 4 and 5 years old, as we lost their father to drugs. Both of my parents are gone and I am an only child, so no siblings. I have two grown girls. But my life is so confusing and lonely. There is no one to lean on. Friends seem to come and go. This is certaianly teaching me to take care of myself and love myself. Because no one else is going to do it for me.

  • Shirley Shelbourn November 26, 2017 at 12:18 pm

    Thanks Jodi so good and appropriate at the Holidays and definitely so many many blessings to be thankful for..